Iowa Public Television

Great Performances

Dance in America: Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (#3108)

DANCE IN AMERICA follows the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during a pivotal period in its history, one that has the company venturing abroad as well as establishing new roots at home. The documentary marks a moment of both growth and reflection, as the troupe travels to Russia after an absence of nearly 20 years, moves into a state-of-the-art custom facility, called by The New York Times "the largest in the country devoted exclusively to dance," and creates a new ballet entitled Love Stories, choreographed by longtime AAADT artistic director Judith Jamison in collaboration with hip-hop pioneer Rennie Harris and modern dance maverick Robert Battle. Under the steadfast leadership of Jamison, the making of a new dance and a new home serve as symbols of the remarkable foundation that Ailey built, and of the vibrancy that defines the company today. Directed by filmmaker Phil Bertelsen, "Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater" tells the story of what it takes to keep dance modern, art relevant and a legacy alive. [56 minutes]

This episode has not aired in the past few months on Iowa Public Television.